Carol Jean (Schuetz) Leeder

Carol Jean (Schuetz) Leeder, of Winchester, passed away on July 28, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family on her 86th birthday, after living with Lewy Body Disease for more than five years. Carol was born July 28,1938 to Viola and Elmore Schuetz at the family farm on Gammon Road in Middleton. She attended a one-room first to eighth grade schoolhouse, and as the only student in her grade, she graduated “at the top of her class!” After graduating from Middleton High School, she worked for the University of Wisconsin.

In 1957, Carol met her future husband, Lee, at a dance at Edwards Park in McFarland. Lee recalls he saw her through a fence, dancing with her girlfriends and thought she was “too pretty to be dancing with the girls,” so he asked her to dance. They ended up dancing the night away and the rest was history! As the saying goes, opposites attract, with Carol being more reserved and shy, Lee was the perfect match as an outgoing and energetic fellow. On August 1, 1959, Carol married the love of her life at Midvale Church in Madison. They started their married life together in Lee’s hometown of Evansville, then moved near the capital square in Madison, then back to the family farm on Gammon Road.

Their sons, Daniel and David, were born in Madison, in 1960 and 1962. In 1963, the young family moved to Janesville. Their daughter Deanne was born in 1967. With Lee, Carol raised their family on Huron Drive, the ultimate small neighborhood full of young families. In her time in Janesville, and once the kids were in school, Carol proudly worked for the chamber of commerce and became very connected to the business community. Carol was also active in the Elks Club and Jaycettes.

In 1987, Carol & Lee moved to Stevens Point and eventually settled in Plover where she worked as the administrative assistant for a successful financial planning firm. Carol enjoyed this position and learned much about investing and the markets.

Finally, in 1998, Carol and Lee officially retired and fulfilled their dream of living “Up North” on South Turtle Lake and became very active in the Winchester community. Carol and her husband were founding members of the Turtle Chain of Lakes Association, members of various snowmobile clubs, the Winchester Lions, the American Legion and the Manitowish Waters Community Church. Carol volunteered for these organizations to support the community while creating new lifelong friendships. Carol, with Lee, had a very active social life, entertaining at their lake home, on the boat, gathering at friends’ homes for dinner parties, dances on the deck, winter and summer island parties, pontoon tie ups, and snowmobile trips were a regular part of their lives. With their friends they formed the “Dizzy Dozen” snowmobile group and together put on many miles and overnight trips on their Ski-Doos. In retirement, Carol and Lee were also able to travel more. Until recently, they spent the month of March each year in Orange Beach, Ala., they visited their daughter and son-in-law in Key West many times and enjoyed cruises throughout the years. Fun and adventure were a priority in their lives, but Carol treasured her family most and always prioritized her kids above all else.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Lee Daniel Leeder; her children, Daniel (Jennifer) Leeder, David (Kathleen) Leeder, and Deanne (Jim) Cayo; her grandchildren, Ryan (Jodi) Leeder, McKenzie Leeder, Dylan Leeder, Samuel Cayo, Mikayla Cayo, Kai Leeder, and Kamryn Leeder; step-grandchildren, Cal, Kianna and Camden; and great-grandchildren, Elliot, Scarlet, Clementine, Joni, and Charlie. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Kathy Schuetz and Barbara Leeder, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Elmore and Viola Schuetz; her sister, Marion; brother-in-law, LaVern Ganser; brother, Lloyd; sister-in-law, Jan Schuetz; brother, Ronald; sister-in-law, Jackie Schuetz; brother, Russell Schuetz; as well as her Leeder brothers/sisters-in-law.

Special thank you to Carol’s amazing care team at Moments Hospice, Krissie and Cassie, who allowed her to remain in her home along with her family caregivers.

Services will be Saturday, Aug. 3, at Manitowish Waters Community Presbyterian Church, 13883 Marathon Rd, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545. There will be a visitation at noon, funeral service at 1 p.m., followed by a luncheon at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial/honor gifts may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org or mailed to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd, S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047. Bolger Cremation and Funeral Services is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com.